What an Oregon vehicle bill of sale is and when you need one

An Oregon vehicle bill of sale is a document that records the transfer of ownership when you buy or sell a vehicle in Oregon. It serves as proof that money (or other value) changed hands and that the seller transferred the vehicle to you. Oregon does not require a bill of sale by law, but the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and most lenders treat it as the standard record of a private sale.

You need a bill of sale when you buy a used vehicle from a private seller — not from a dealership, which provides its own paperwork. If you are selling a vehicle privately, creating one protects you by documenting that you no longer own it. A bill of sale also matters if you are financing the purchase through a bank or credit union; most lenders will ask for one before they release funds or register the vehicle in your name.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon has no single official bill of sale form, so you can use a template from ODOT's website, a blank form from an office supply store, or write one yourself as long as it includes the required information.
  • The document must show the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller to be accepted by ODOT.
  • You do not need to notarize a bill of sale in Oregon, though having it notarized adds legal weight if a dispute arises later.
  • Keep a copy for your records before you hand the original to the buyer; you will need it if you register the vehicle or if questions come up about the sale.

What information must go on an Oregon bill of sale

The bill of sale must include the vehicle's complete VIN, the year, make, and model, and the odometer reading at the time of sale. Write these details exactly as they appear on the vehicle's title or registration — mismatches can slow down ODOT's processing.

Include the sale price in dollars. If you are trading in another vehicle or exchanging goods instead of cash, write the total agreed value and note what was exchanged. Both the buyer and seller must sign and print their names, and you should add the date of the sale. Include the seller's address and phone number, and the buyer's address and phone number. Some templates also ask for the vehicle's color and license plate number, which is helpful for clarity but not required by ODOT.

Do not leave blanks. If a field does not explore — for example, if there is no lienholder — write "none" or "N/A" rather than leaving it empty. Blank spaces can cause ODOT to reject the document and ask you to resubmit.

Where to find an Oregon bill of sale template

ODOT does not publish an official bill of sale form, but the agency's website includes a sample template you can read and print. Search "Oregon bill of sale" on the ODOT website or visit the vehicle registration section. The template shows the standard layout and all required fields.

You can also find templates through office supply stores, online legal document sites, or your bank or credit union — many lenders provide their own version. Any template that includes the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures will work. If you prefer to write one from scratch, type or print it on plain paper; handwritten bills of sale are acceptable as long as they are legible and signed by both parties.

How to complete the bill of sale step by step

Step 1: Get the vehicle information. Before you meet the buyer or seller, gather the VIN from the dashboard or the current title. Write down the year, make, model, color, and license plate number. Check the odometer and write that reading on the form.

Step 2: Fill in the sale details. Write the sale price in words and numbers (for example, "One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00"). Add the date of sale. If the buyer is financing the vehicle, include the lender's name and loan number if known at the time of sale.

Step 3: Add seller information. Print the seller's full name, address, and phone number. The seller should sign and print their name on the signature line. If there are multiple sellers, all must sign.

Step 4: Add buyer information. Print the buyer's full name, address, and phone number. The buyer should sign and print their name. If there are multiple buyers, all should sign.

Step 5: Make copies. Before handing over the original, make at least two copies — one for your records and one to keep with the vehicle's paperwork. The buyer should also keep a copy.

Notarization and when it matters

Oregon does not require a bill of sale to be notarized for ODOT to accept it. A notary's signature adds legal weight if a dispute arises later — for example, if the seller claims they did not authorize the sale or if there is a question about the sale price. Having a notary witness both signatures also creates an official record that the document was signed on a specific date.

If you are buying or selling a high-value vehicle or if you want extra protection, you can take the completed bill of sale to a notary public before the buyer takes possession. Most banks, credit unions, and shipping stores offer notary services for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15. Both the buyer and seller must be present with photo identification.

What happens after you sign the bill of sale

Once both parties have signed, the buyer should keep the bill of sale with the vehicle's title and registration. When the buyer registers the vehicle with ODOT, they will submit the bill of sale along with the title process and proof of insurance. ODOT uses the bill of sale to confirm the sale price and transfer ownership into the buyer's name.

The seller should keep a copy for their records. If the seller still holds the title, they will need to sign it over to the buyer or provide it to the buyer so the buyer can submit it to ODOT. The bill of sale and the signed title together complete the transfer. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lienholder must also release the lien before the buyer can register it in their name.

If you are the buyer and the seller does not provide a bill of sale, you can create one yourself and ask the seller to sign it before you take possession. This protects you by documenting the purchase price and the date of transfer.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not leave the VIN blank or write it incorrectly. ODOT will reject the bill of sale if the VIN does not match the title. Double-check it character by character before both parties sign.

Do not skip the sale price. ODOT needs this to process the registration and calculate any taxes owed. If you are unsure of the exact amount, write what you agreed to pay; you can adjust it later if needed, but leaving it blank will delay the process.

Do not sign the bill of sale before the buyer or seller is ready. Both parties should sign at the same time, in front of each other if possible. This prevents disputes about whether the sale actually took place.

Do not assume the bill of sale replaces the title. You still need the original title signed over by the seller. The bill of sale documents the sale; the title proves ownership. ODOT requires both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale instead of transferring the title?

No. The bill of sale documents the sale, but the title proves ownership. You must have both the signed bill of sale and the title signed over by the seller to register the vehicle in your name with ODOT. The title is the legal document of ownership; the bill of sale is the record of the transaction.

What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?

Do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale protects both parties by documenting that the sale happened and at what price. If the seller refuses to sign, it is a red flag that something may be wrong with the vehicle's ownership or history. Walk away from the deal.

Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a dealership?

No. Dealerships provide their own sales paperwork and title transfer documents. You do not need a separate bill of sale. The dealership's paperwork serves the same purpose and is submitted to ODOT along with your registration.

Can I handwrite the bill of sale?

Yes. A handwritten bill of sale is acceptable as long as it is legible, includes all required information, and is signed by both the buyer and seller. Many people handwrite bills of sale on plain paper or a template they print out. Make sure both parties can read what is written.

What if I lose the bill of sale after I buy the vehicle?

Contact the seller and ask for another copy. If you cannot reach them, you can request a duplicate title from ODOT, which will show you as the registered owner. Keep copies of all vehicle paperwork in a safe place to avoid this situation.